Victoria's balance-of-power MP suspended

Melissa Iaria, Genevieve Gannon and Angus Livingston

The Victorian government has thrown down the gauntlet to Labor to co-operate so the parliament runs smoothly now independent rebel MP Geoff Shaw has been suspended.

Labor had been pushing for the balance-of-power MP's expulsion from the parliament for misusing his taxpayer-funded car, but the government's milder action to suspend him was adopted on Wednesday night.

Now the government has dealt with Mr Shaw and passed its budget, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan called on the Labor opposition to co-operate with the government so it can run smoothly.

But it is likely Labor will seize on the chance to highlight the fragility of the government during Mr Shaw's absence.

Advertisement

Mr Shaw's suspension for 11 sitting days means the number of Labor MPs is 43 to coalition's 43 plus the Speaker.

This means the Speaker will have to use her casting vote on any legislation opposed by Labor during Mr Shaw's suspension.

Mr Ryan, who fronted the media after the suspension in the place of Premier Denis Napthine who had a prior engagement, said the government intended to run a full program of legislation, 171 days from the state election.

He called on Labor to co-operate and ensure the parliament runs smoothly.

"Expelling him would set an unnecessary precedent in this parliament," he said.

It was Mr Smith's declaration that he would back a Labor push to find Mr Shaw in contempt of parliament that sparked the current political turmoil, with Mr Shaw retaliating by withdrawing his support for the government when it would not assure him he would be protected from further sanction.

Dr Napthine told parliament expulsion was a serious matter that should only be done in the most extreme circumstances.

He said the matter was not about political expediency or personality.

"This is not a political star chamber and it is not the Big Brother house. This is the parliament of Victoria," Dr Napthine said.

Mr Andrews said Mr Shaw had engaged in deceit and conspiracy.

He accused Dr Napthine of being motivated by self-interest and of driving a motion which ensures the government avoids a by-election before the November 29 state poll.

Mr Shaw, a Liberal-turned-independent who holds the balance of power in the Legislative Assembly, was not in the chamber for the debate about him lasting more than three hours.

Along with suspension, he will have to apologise and repay more than $6800 for misusing his parliamentary car, fuel card and parliamentary entitlements. He will also lose $4246 in parliamentary sitting payments.